Kristen Cooper

Today we speak to Kristen Cooper, one of the musicians behind the emotional score of Cosplayer Nation.

What’s your musical history?

I started taking piano lesson when I was about nine years old. After two years of piano, I went into band classes. That continued all the way through high school. In elementary school, I picked the Oboe. I really liked the Oboe and it was a unique instrument. In middle school, I switched to Trumpet. I liked playing that instrument, but I felt like I was missing something. When high school rolled around, I picked up Percussion. I kept switching because I was never satisfied with one instrument and drums are more about the heartbeat to most musical pieces. While, in high school, I also took drum lessons, marching band, jazz band and a little bit of pep band. I also played the Drums in a Church Youth Group. Learning the rhythm and heartbeat of songs was a blast and I really didn’t want strive away from that. Then college came around and I made the move into audio courses. I wanted to learn more about sounds, MIDI and music production. Plus, I began to study on how to make a crowd move to the beat through different styles of music. After college, I have began producing my own music. I built my own make shift studio. I have gone through three different DJ turntables, two different MIDI Keyboards and about ten different headphones. I have done six shows for my DJ life. They are; Sogen Con in 2012, Hetalia Masquerade Ball in 2012, Sodak in 2013, The Eclective Collective Fashion Show in 2013, CoreCon in 2014 and Anime Fargo 2014. I hope, one day, to go outside of the Midwest and follow my dream to “A State of Trance” (ASOT).

What genre of music do you consider your work to be?

Well when I produce my own music and remix, the songs become dark trance more than anything. However, when I produce a piece of music like I did for Cosplayer Nation, I based it off of more what they wanted it to sound like or genre they may want. This way I don’t stick to one genre and I adventure out.

How would you define your work?

A blending of different forms of trance using my own style of sound of effects and cords.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am working on a remix contest of Ferry Corsten’s, from his “Hello World EP Part 1.” The song is titled “Back to Paradise (Ft. Haris).” I have been working on this remix, since the beginning of March. In this remix, I wanted to produce my own drum pattern and trance sounding synthesizer. I don’t want to get into too much detail because it isn’t finished yet and I like to have my remixes to the talking for me.

Now you produced some songs for the film Cosplayer Nation. How did that come about?

The opportunity came through my Booking Agent. He saw the request for musicians online. After the request I was put into contact with staff.

What was the experience like?

Being a composer for a film is always difficult. Not being able to see the film, made it even more difficult. It was a great challenge and I love doing parts of the score. I would love to do it again!

What film/TV projects are in your future?

As of right now, I am looking at several projects. I am always looking into the Multi Media venue.

What was your biggest challenge regarding Cosplayer Nation?

Not having seen the film and then writing two pieces of music. I am glad that it all worked out in the end.

Was Rick Deckard a replicant?

No. I think he was a human who was fooled into thinking he was a replicant, in an attempt to confuse those around him and make his self worth in jeopardy.

Advice for other’s interested in joining your field?

Patience! Success comes slowly. When it comes, be ready. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!!